The Cleveland Browns NFL team has moved quickly to scotch rumours they are interested in hiring former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice as head coach.

General manager John Dorsey, who opened the possibility of hiring a woman to be Cleveland’s next coach, said on Sunday that the team has not discussed Ms Rice as a candidate to become the club’s ninth coach since 1999.

Ms Rice served as secretary of state during the presidency of George W. Bush and is a renowned fan of the Browns since childhood, prompting an ESPN report that she might be interviewed for the role.

Condoleezza Rice speaking at the NFL Women’s Summit (Ben Margot/AP)

However, Mr Dorsey said she is not on the team’s current list of candidates.

“Former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice is a great leader, possesses the highest possible character and also happens to be a Browns fan,” Mr Dorsey said.

“I have the utmost respect and admiration for all she’s accomplished and was honoured to meet her for the first time earlier this season.

It could be a woman, too. I am serious. Who knows?
John Dorsey, Cleveland Browns general manager

“On a more serious note, I do hope that the NFL will start to bring women into the coaching profession as position coaches and eventually coordinators and head coaches,” she wrote.

“One doesn’t have to play the game to understand it and motivate players.

“But experience counts, and it is time to develop a pool of experienced women coaches.

“BTW, I’m not ready to coach but I would like to call a play or two next season if the Browns need ideas! And at no time will I call for a ‘prevent defence’.”

Ms Rice’s last reference is common among die-hard Browns fans, who still bemoan then-coach Marty Schottenheimer’s decision to play soft coverage in the 1986 AFC championship game when Denver quarterback John Elway drove the Broncos 98 yards to a game-tying touchdown in the final seconds.

The Drive, as it is known, helped the Broncos beat the Browns 23-20 in overtime, denying Cleveland a trip to the Super Bowl.

Ms Rice discussed her love for the team during a visit to the Browns’ headquarters in 2010.

Searching for a new coach for the #Browns will be a difficult process. I will find the right person for the job.